Technology for Older People: A Critical Review

Abstract

We will present the results of a critical review of research published in a range of peer-reviewed conferences in the period 2005 - 2012 on the use of technology to support older people. We explore what problems faced by older people are being addressed by the research; whether the research is motivated by user needs; the methodologies used; the levels of target user involvement in the research; and the outcomes achieved. Eight major topics of research have been identified: mobility and wayfinding; communication and social interaction; interaction with technology; using the web; access to and exploration of information; education; support for daily living; and games and play. In addition, we have categorized the research into four main types: research that proposes technologies for older people; research to understand the use of technology by older people and their attitudes to technology; research on guidelines, standards or other information to support developers and researchers; and research that on methodologies for working with older people in the development of new technological solutions. Important gaps and weaknesses in the current research portfolio are explored. The review will provide an overview of the state of the art of technologies for promoting independent living and wellbeing of older people, which should be useful for researchers, developers and practitioners in the field. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.